LATEST CABLE NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 30 April 1923, Page 2

LATEST CABLE NEWS

IRISH AFFAIRS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CAIILE ASSOCIATION. A FINAL FLOURISH. LONDON, April 27. This morning three men and a woman drove up to the portico of the Grand Central Cinema Theatre in O'Connell Street, Dublin, and deposited a mine in the vestibule. There was a terrific explosion, which wrecked the vestibule, and smashed all the windows in the vicinity. OFFER OF PEACE. BY DE VALERA. LONDON, April 2.3. Air De Valera has issued a proclamation offering to negotiate peace. The Irish Republican Army announces that there will be a sus; elision of hostilities as from noon on Monday. The cell '.] se of the icliel government *\ J h{eh has been exported since the vigorous Free State campaign has ic-siilt-cd in the capture of so many leaders, was revealed to-day by the proclamation of Air De Valera, expressing willingness to negotiate peace, and also by the rebel army order suspending hostilities. It is a general hope that this will mean the end of the long guerilla warfare in Ireland. Air De Valera’s manifesto, characterised by bis usual wordiness, proclaims “that the Government of the Republic in anxious to contribute its share to the movement for peace, founded on the principles—

(1) That the sovereign riL'lds of the Irish nation are indefeasible and inalienable.

(2) That all legitimate government authority is derived exclusively from the people. (3) That the ultimate court of appeal for deciding all disputed questions ami national expenditure is the people of Ireland’s judgment, being the majority vote of the adult citizens, tlieir decision Leing obeyed and resistance and violence being excluded, not because such majority decision is necessarily right, just and permanent, but because the acceptance of it makes for peace, order, and unity, and because it is the democratic alternative to arbitration by peace. (1) That no individual or individuals subscribing to those prnciples of national right, order and good citizenship can lie justly excluded by any political oath, test, cr other device from their proper share of iriHi’cnoe in determining the national policy, or lroiu the councils or parliament of the nation.

Clause I further stales that the Irish military forces are the servants of the nation, and. subject to the foregoing conditions, they arc amenable to the National Assembly, when it is freely elected by the people. (o) That freedom of assembly, speech and of the Press shall prevail.” Air I)e Valera’s proclamation expresses the hope that this advance will be met in the spirit in which it is made, and supported by all Irish people loving the country and desiring a speedy and just- ending to the national trouble.

The Republican Army Order is issued to the officers commanding, and others. It is signed by Frank Aitkctt. the Caief of Staff. It states; In order to give ell’eet to the decision of the Government and the Army Council embodied in the proclamation of this dale, you will arrange for the suspension of all offensive operations in your area from noon on April 30. You will ensure that whilst remaining on the defensive, all units shall take adequate measures to protect them selves and tlieir munitions.

The guerilla warfare which has now lasted for 15 mouths, was announced as a consequence of Mr de Valera’s refusal on December 12. 11121. to ratily the agreement signed at Downing Street between representatives of the Imperial Government and the Sinn Fein Government. Sir Hamar Greenwood (ex-Chief Secretary for Ireland) said : “belaud is the p vent country of millions of Irishmen throughout the woild, who will rejoice to know that peace has returned to their country.” The “Daily Chronicle” slates in an editorial: “It is true that this is not an unconditional surrender. The terms are vague. They do not constitute a real basis of a settlement, miles it is understood that the Republicans arc prepared to accept the veidiot ol ] opular elections, hut it is time to settle.” The Australian I’ress Association, in a special message states: —“Mr J)o Valera will agree to the dumping or destruction of the Republican arms and the release of prisoners. He stipulates an early general election, and loyalty t.) whatever government is elected.’’ Tin* tilth < louse of Mr De Valera's proclamation says that every adult male and female Vie ttlowed to vote at the general election which should he held as soon as May 6. It specifies an undertaking hv both sides, whatever the Government elected, its opponents will u a resort to armed force, but will exercise their opposition in a constitute ml manner. A correspondent says that he is of the opinion liiat the Free State will not agree to these terms, as they are outlined. Nevertheless peace is expected soon, and perhaps next week. Monsignor huzio (the Papal envoy) lias been working hard on this subject. TERMS FOR I’I’ACE. LONDON. April 29. The Australian Press .Association has received a special message from Dublin which states: Messrs De \ a lorn, •Routledge. Aitkcu. l’ilkington and Parry, and what remains of the Republican Government and Army, are prepared it accept the following terms ot peace: (1) The complete dumping of all arms tinder supervision. (Mr l)o Valera will agree tit their rompdcio destruction). (2) The return home of all Republicans i" arms. (3) The cessation by the Free Slate Government of all raids and airests. Ml The release of all prisoners; all the alleged criminal prisoners to be dealt with by representatives of the Free State and Republicans, with a neutral chairman. Monsignor huzio (Papal envoy) is suggested.